Introduction to Human Magic

An Ordered Force, a Fragmented Understanding

The articles in this section describe the true mechanics of the human magic system as it exists in the world of Elysoria. While many in-world beliefs may conflict or contradict this information, such discrepancies reflect the limited knowledge and cultural interpretations of those experiencing the system from within.   Magic in this world is not divine, chaotic, or imagined—it is a natural force, composed of distinct magical particles. Each aspect of magic is tied to a specific particle type, and these particles are subtly but universally present throughout the world. Every stone, leaf, and breeze contains them in balance—until something causes that balance to shift.   In some cases, plants or creatures evolve to accumulate a surplus of a specific particle, often as a survival trait. This imbalance allows them to express subtle magical effects—glows, healing properties, heightened resistance—and is the cornerstone of all magical extraction. These surplus particles can be channeled and redirected through spellwork to affect the world in powerful ways.  

Glow in the Wild: Sources of Magic

Living sources of magic are the foundation of all spellcasting. Certain herbs glow faintly, their edges shimmering with the particles of the enhancement or restoration aspect. Creatures, having consumed such plants over a lifetime, can develop strong magical concentrations in glands or organs.   However, this magic cannot be consumed raw—not safely. Direct consumption of magical creatures leads to unpredictable results, often illness or death. Only through careful extraction and alchemical distillation can the particles be safely ingested or applied.  

Unique Magical Phenomena

Two entities are exceptional in the way they interact with magical particles:

• Fairies and nature spirits are composed entirely of magical particles, allowing them to manipulate all aspects of magic effortlessly. They do not cast Spells—they are magic.

• Ciryathanor, the Jewel of Power, is a rare crystal completely free of magical particles. It acts like a magical sponge, absorbing any exposed aspect and slowly releasing it back into the environment. Properly tuned, it becomes a power source or a ritual focus of immense potential.

 

The Dual Process of Spellcasting

Unlike elves—who commune with fairies and channel magic through intuition—humans must rely on a two-step process:   Step 1: Connect to a Magical Aspect
Before casting a spell, a human must absorb particles of a specific aspect. This is done by:

• Consuming raw ingredients (for minor effects)

• Drinking distilled potions (for potent, tailored outcomes)

  Once absorbed, the caster has a limited window to use the power. The magical particles gradually dissipate unless shaped into an effect.   Step 2: Cast a Matching Spell
The second step is mental and precise: the caster must trigger a spell that matches the aspect stored in their body. Spells are learned techniques—spoken phrases, gestures, or internal visualizations—that unlock the potential of the particles.   Some examples:

• After drinking a Thermal Manipulation potion, a caster might light a fire or freeze a surface.

• A Perception potion might unlock a spell to sharpen sight or detect hidden paths.

• Without a spell—or with the wrong spell—the energy is wasted.

  This structured approach makes human magic powerful but inflexible. Every act of magic must be prepared, timed, and executed with precision.  

Human Access and Understanding

Who Can Use Magic?
All humans are born with the potential to use magic.

• Common folk may consume an herbal poultice to ease pain or speed healing, but lack the knowledge to go further.

• Trained alchemists can distill magical particles into concentrated potions.

• Druids, living in harmony with nature and guided by ancient elven insights, come closest to understanding the full system—and wield the greatest power among humans.

  The depth of understanding determines the effectiveness of the magic, not raw talent. Human magic is grounded in learning, observation, and preparation, not innate ability.   Can It Be Taught?
Yes—but not all of it.

• The mechanics of alchemy—extraction, refinement, mixing—can be taught like any craft.

• Understanding nature must be learned slowly and often wordlessly, through experience. Some students walk with druids; others observe the wild in solitude, learning its rhythm.

  Mastery comes not from force, but from patience.